A post on Ground Control Systems website about new skateboard/scooter racks at Carnegie Middle School in Orangevale.
https://www.groundcontrolsystems.com/our-clients/case-studies/carnegie-middle-school-case-study/
Tag: skateboard rack
Mariemont new bike racks
Mariemont Elementary in Arden-Arcade has completely new bike racks and skateboard/scooter racks. The racks were purchased by the school PTA, and the fenced bike compounds were constructed by the district. The students, parents and Principal Beth Wahl were very excited this first day of school in having a secure and welcoming place for bikes. Every student was wearing a helmet today. Students received a bike keychain and thanks for riding from Safe Routes to School Coordinator Dan Allison.
Mariemont has a lot of parents who bike to and from school with their kids, particular on the first day, but every day as well.
bike rack problems
The last post, about the wonderful new bike/skateboard/scooter racks at Sylvan Middle School, may leave you wondering about other schools.
Most schools in San Juan have bike racks that were placed when the school was first built, meaning many are 30 to 70 years old. These were not good racks to begin with, most being what are called “wheel benders” since when bikes are accidentally or intentionally knocked over, the front wheel gets bent. In an attempt to use these racks, students lock their bikes parallel to the rack, using up many slots, or give up and lock to a fence or something else nearby.
After decades of use, many racks are in poor condition, with broken bars and rails, rusted and sharp metal, and years of abandoned locks.
Some bike racks are placed on dirt or grass, so when it rains or sprinklers over-water, they are not usable. Many racks are placed up against walls or fences so that only one side of the rack is usable.
These bike racks do not encourage students to bike to school, in fact they discourage students.
Students riding skateboards and scooters do not have a place for their devices either. They can try to use the bike racks, but the racks were not designed for this, provide no security, and often have bikes parked on top of the skateboards and scooters. Or, skateboards and scooters are stored in classrooms where they take up space and create a safety hazard.
The next posts will be about best-practice solutions to these issues.
bike/skateboard/scooter racks at Sylvan
Sylvan Middle School is new this year, a campus reconstructed and expanded from the old Citrus Heights. As part of this, new bike racks and skateboard/scooter racks were installed.
The bike racks are modern inverted-U racks, that offer two points of support for keeping bikes upright and easy locking. This morning, the first day of school, there were 16 bike riders. There is a capacity for 68 bikes.
The skateboard/scooter racks are also modern, and perhaps the best available. Both skateboards and scooters can be stored, and locked securely. This morning, there were 3 skateboard riders and 11 scooter riders. There is a capacity for 40 skateboards or scooters.
All racks are within a fenced, lockable compound on a hard clean surface. This is not only an improvement from what Sylvan had at its old campus, but is the best the district has to offer, so far. We hope that these new, modern racks that provide security for student’s rides will encourage even more students to bike, skateboard, and scooter.
Safe Routes San Juan 